The College Football Playoff may be just days away, but in Eugene, Oregon, the offseason reshuffling is already well underway. While the Ducks are still preparing for their postseason moment, the foundation for the 2026 roster is already being laid-and it's clear the program is wasting no time in shaping what comes next.
Roster Outlook: Depth and Decisions
Oregon is projected to have 89 scholarship players on the roster heading into the 2026 season. That’s a healthy number, especially considering no players have declared for the NFL Draft-at least not yet.
One major piece of good news for Ducks fans: standout defensive tackle Bear Alexander has announced he’s returning. That’s a big-time anchor to have back in the middle of the defensive line.
Among the senior class, wide receiver Evan Stewart is the lone player eligible to return who didn’t participate in Senior Day activities. His status remains something to watch, but for now, the Ducks are in a relatively strong place in terms of returning talent.
Coaching Carousel: Key Departures, Internal Promotions
The most immediate shake-up has come on the coaching staff. Oregon is losing both of its coordinators-offensive coordinator Will Stein is heading to Kentucky to take over as head coach, while defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is off to Cal in the same role. Those are significant losses, especially considering the impact both had on the Ducks’ recent success.
But Oregon didn’t look far to fill the void. Tight ends coach Drew Mehringer has been promoted to offensive coordinator, and secondary coach Chris Hampton is stepping up to lead the defense.
Promoting from within brings continuity, and both coaches are well-respected within the program. The Ducks are betting on familiarity and internal growth to keep the momentum going.
There’s also movement on the support staff: assistant offensive line coach Cutter Leftwich and director of recruiting Pat Biondo are both following Stein to Kentucky. Those roles will need to be filled, and Oregon will be strategic in how it rebuilds that infrastructure behind the scenes.
Transfer Portal: Outgoing and Incoming Talent
As with every offseason in the transfer portal era, player movement is fast and fluid. Oregon has seen several players enter the portal and commit elsewhere, but they’ve also brought in talent to fill immediate needs.
Outgoing Transfers (Signed/Committed):
- RB Noah Whittington
- WR Malik Benson
- WR Gary Bryant Jr.
- OT Isaiah World
Incoming Transfers:
- WR Jurrion Dickey (from Sacramento State)
- CB Jahlil Florence
- CB Dakoda Fields
- S Solomon Davis
The addition of Dickey-who’s coming off a strong season at Sacramento State-adds depth and explosiveness to the receiving corps. On the defensive side, Florence and Fields bring experience and versatility to a secondary that will need to replace some key contributors.
High School and JUCO Recruits: Building for the Future
The Ducks have already signed 21 players from the high school and JUCO ranks, and this group brings a blend of immediate contributors and long-term developmental prospects. A few names to keep an eye on:
- QB Bryson Beaver - Oregon’s quarterback room gets deeper with Beaver, who arrives with plenty of upside.
- WR Hudson Lewis - A late flip from Utah, Lewis adds size and speed to the wide receiver unit.
- OLB Dutch Horisk and Edge Anthony Jones - Both bring high motor and pass-rushing potential to the defense.
- S Xavier Lherisse and S Jett Washington - Two safeties who could help reload a secondary that’s seen turnover.
It’s a class that checks a lot of boxes-depth in the trenches, speed on the outside, and versatility on defense.
Looking Ahead: Early Commitments and Decommitments
Recruiting never stops, and Oregon already has its eyes on the future. Edge rusher Cameron Pritchett is the Ducks’ lone 2027 commitment so far, while wide receiver Kesean Bowman had previously committed for 2028 before decommitting in September.
These early commitments are part of the long game, and Oregon’s staff will continue to work the trail hard as they look to keep the Ducks among the nation’s elite.
The Bottom Line
The Ducks are in the middle of a pivotal transition-not just preparing for a postseason run, but also shaping the next era of Oregon football. With key players returning, a strong recruiting class, and internal promotions on the coaching staff, the program is positioning itself to stay competitive in the ever-evolving college football landscape.
There’s still plenty to sort out-especially with the NFL Draft and transfer portal windows still open-but so far, Oregon looks like a program that’s building with purpose. The offseason is just getting started, but the Ducks are already making moves that could define their 2026 campaign and beyond.